DNP vs PhD

Doctor of Nursing Practice

PhD in Nursing

Primary Focus

Nursing Practice

Nursing Research

Degree Objectives

To prepare nurses for leadership roles in a specialized area of advanced nursing practice with an emphasis on: philosophical, ethical, and scientific principles that provide the foundation for leadership in professional nursing care; continued acquisition of knowledge and clinical skills in an area of advanced practice specialization; and leadership and clinical expertise in healthcare delivery, evaluation, quality improvement, and advanced practice nursing education

To prepare nurse scientists and leaders in academia and health care systems. Graduates develop new knowledge for the science and practice of nursing and are leaders in generating and applying science needed to improve health care and inform and guide health policy. Graduates conduct research to improve the health of people from diverse cultures. Graduates develop and lead research teams of nurses, physicians, and members of other health care disciplines.

Advanced Research Methods Statistics, Grantsmanship, Quantitative and Qualitative Research Methods, Research with Vulnerable Populations, Knowledge Development in Nursing Science, Accessing, Managing, and Packaging Information, Academic, Health Care and Political Systems.

Design and conduct rigorous research using advanced research methodology to address the health of the nation through the conduct of clinical research, dissemination of research findings through publications, and national and international presentations. Students develop a program of research based on advanced knowledge in their area of expertise.

GRE Required

Yes

Yes

* The BSN to PhD program does require clinical hours for the completion of clinical specialty which will vary